Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is set to forward a fresh list of commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly as part of plans to reconstitute his cabinet following the end of the emergency rule in the state.
This move comes as the governor has chosen to retain eight commissioners who were not affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had earlier dissolved his cabinet after resuming full executive powers, marking the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu to restore political stability in the state.
A top source in the Government House, Port Harcourt, who spoke to Hobnob News on condition of anonymity, confirmed the names of the retained commissioners as Dr. Adaeze Oreh (Health), Charles Amadi (Chieftaincy Affairs), Christopher Green (Sports), Joe Johnson (Information and Communications), Chisom Gbali (Youth Development), Victor Kii (Agriculture), Dr. Roseline Uranta (Women Affairs), and Nwafor Maximus (Energy and Natural Resources).
The source noted that a minor reshuffle is expected, with some commissioners likely to be reassigned to other ministries.
“The governor told them himself that there will be a reshuffle and asked them to prepare,” the source said. “The only confirmed portfolio for now is that of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who has been one of the most outstanding members of the cabinet.”
When asked about the timing for submitting the new list, the source revealed that the process would begin soon, adding that the move aligns with the governor’s efforts to fully reconstitute his administration.
“Don’t forget that the governor has reconciled with the Assembly, and they are expecting his list of nominees,” the source added.
As part of the peace agreement brokered after high-level meetings between the governor and the Assembly, it was gathered that some loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, may be included in the new cabinet to promote inclusiveness and sustain the current peace.
Speaking on the recent elders’ meeting that included Wike and members of the state legislature, the source reaffirmed that Governor Fubara remains firmly in charge.
“Governor Fubara is the elected leader of Rivers State and knows what is best for the state,” the source said. “Even those affected by the Supreme Court judgment have accepted the reality and are now working with him. The most important thing is that peace has returned to Rivers, and more positive developments are coming in the weeks ahead.”
